Denmark is a country in Scandinavia. The main part of it is Jutland, a peninsula north of Germany, while a number of islands, including two major ones, Zealand and Funen, are the two main islands in Østersøen Sea between Jutland and Sweden.
Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. However, the country has opted out of European Union's Maastricht Treaty, the European monetary system (EMU), and issues concerning certain internal affairs.
Denmark is also the birthplace of one of the world's most popular toys - Lego. There is no other better place in the world where one can buy Lego bricks than at the Legoland theme park in Billund.
These days the Danish Vikings have parked their ships in the garage, and put the horned helmets on the shelves. And along with the other Scandinavian nations forged a society that is seen as a benchmark of civilization, with progressive social policies, a commitment to free speech so entrenched in Danish society, that it put the nation at odds with most of the world during the Mohamed cartoon controversy, and a liberal social-welfare system, that's not only the most equal in the world, according to the Economist, it is also the most competitive. Top it of with rich well preserved cultural heritage, and the Danes legendary sense of design and architecture, and you have one intriguing holiday destination.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Denmark is served by two major and several minor airports.
Copenhagen Airport is the largest airport in Scandinavia. The airport is located at the town Kastrup on the island Amager, 8 km from central Copenhagen. The airport is connected by train to Copenhagen Central Station and beyond as well as Malmo and other towns in Sweden. One way fare to Copenhagen Central station is 27 Danish kr. and the train leaves every 10 minutes. Buses and taxis are also available.
Billund Airport in South-Central Jutland is Denmark's 2nd largest airport, and fields flights to major European hubs; Frankfurt, London and Amsterdam, as well as most western European capitals. Located in the town Billund, 29 km from Vejle, 65 km from Esbjerg, 104 km from Odense, 100 km from Aarhus, 210 km from Aalborg, and 262 km from Copenhagen. The airport is connected by buses to major cities and towns in the region. Taxis are also available.
By train - There are five direct trains per day from Hamburg to Copenhagen, approximately every two to three hours. These trains are loaded onto a ferry for the sea passage from Puttgarten to Rødby, and the total journey time is around 4.5 hours. There are also two train lines to Jutland from Hamburg, one via Padborg and the other via Tønder.
Trains run every twenty minutes from Malmö to Copenhagen. The total journey time is 35 minutes.
By bus - Graahundbus , Eurolines , and Abildskou run buses between european and danish destinations.
Special Bus route E55 Berlin – CopenhagenBerolina .
Berlin DKK 200 (7 hours).
By boat - Scandlines runs ferries from Puttgarden to Rødby on Lolland and from Rostock to Gedser on Falster, as well as a ferry from Sassnitz to Rønne on Bornholm.
Smyril Line runs a ferry from Seyðisfjörður (Iceland) via Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), Lerwick (Shetland Islands) and Bergen (Norway) to Hanstholm in Northern Jutland.
STAY SAFE
Generally: Denmark is very safe. No risk of natural disaster or animal attack. Crime and traffic are only minor risks.
In the traffic: Danes generally drive by the rules (except for the bicycles) but may not be very helpful to other drivers in ceding right of way, etc. Watch out for the bicycles in the cities, especially when turning across bicycle lanes; they have right of way. On highways, make sure that you only pass on the left, and be aware that Danes like to drive fast. Also, as a special note to North American drivers, it is illegal in Denmark (as in rest of Europe) to turn right on a red light.
On foot in cities: As mentioned above, Danes drive by the rules, and they have every expectation that pedestrians do the same. Therefore, it is important to obey Walk/Don't Walk signals and avoid jaywalking in cities, simply because cars will not slow down since you're not supposed to be there. Also, take good notice of the dedicated bike lanes when crossing any street to avoid dangerous situations as bikers tend to drive fast and have right of way on these lanes.
On the beach: Don't bathe alone. Don't get too far away from land. Don't jump head first in shallow water. Swim along the coast rather than away from it. In some areas undertow is a danger, but will mostly be signed at the beach. On many beaches, flags inform of water quality. A blue flag means excellent water quality, green flag means good water quality, red flag means that bathing is not advised. A sign with the text "Badning forbudt" means that bathing is forbidden. Obey these signs, as it often means that the water is polluted with poisonous algae, bacteria, or chemicals, or that there is a dangerous undertow.
In the city: A few districts in major cities should be avoided at night by the unwary, or by lone women.
In an emergency dial 112 (medical help/fire brigade/police). This is toll free, and will work even from cell phones even without a SIM card.
RESPECT
When it comes to conversing with Danes, most do not expect foreigners to speak Danish and if the Dane can not figure out where you come from in Denmark by your accent, they will automatically speak English. 'Taler De engelsk?' is the polite way to ask if they speak English, when speaking to older Danes. However, this is a somewhat dated way of asking and most may just ask "Taler du engelsk?"
No respectful titles are necessary when addressing someone. The titles 'Hr' and 'Fru' have mostly disappeared from use in Denmark, and people are generally addressed by their first name regardless of the situation.
Despite their disregard for formality, Danes are very polite and well mannered while in public. Be sure to practice good table manners while at restaurants, and make sure to learn the dozens of ways to say 'thank you' in Danish.
Drinking alcoholic beverages in public is considered socially acceptable in Denmark, and having a beer out in a public square is a common warm weather activity there, though local by-laws are increasingly curbing this liberty, as loitering alcoholics are regarded as bad for business. Drinking bans are usually signposted, but not universally obeyed. In any case, be sure to moderate your public drinking, especially during the daytime.
Expect any discussion about the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons, to be a heated one, most Danes have a passionate argument one way or the other, so don't expect to be able to merely state your opinion, and walk away from the discussion afterwards, as most Danes would want to explain their standing on the matter in full.
CITIES
